Freedom of Information (FOI)
The Freedom of Information Act 1997 (leagan Gaeilge) came into force on 21 April 1998. The Freedom of Information Amendment Act 2003 came into force on 11 April 2003. The Act applies to more than ninety public bodies in the health sector.
The Freedom of Information Act 1997 applies to more than ninety public bodies in the health sector, including the Health Service Executive.
This area of our site is intended to provide you with the information you need to make requests under the FOI Act. The information you seek may already be available elsewhere on this site which is intended to give ready access to information on current developments, to publications of the Department, and to its structure and functions. Before making any formal request under FOI, check to see if the information is already published or may be routinely available. We welcome suggestions for additional content or feedback on any problems you experience in using these pages. You may wish to contact the Freedom of Information Unit, by phone at 01-6354199, by fax at 01-6354001 or by email to foi@health.gov.ie
If you wish to make an FOI request to the Department under the legislation:
- Send us a written statement of your request - Download application form: (In English) (As Gaeilge)
- Specify that it is a request under the FOI Act,
- Send your request to FOI Unit, Department of Health, Hawkins House, Dublin 2.
- Alternatively, you can e-mail your request to FOI@health.gov.ie
If your request is for personal information, including records relating to your children or records of the deceased, the Department will need to verify your identity in advance.
If your request is for non-personal information please enclose a cheque or money order for €15 (€10 if you are a medical card holder or his/her dependant).
If you are unfamiliar with the Freedom of Information Act, you might want to access the following useful online FOI resources;
- Fees and Charges
- A more detailed statement of your rights under the Act.
- The Department of Finance Central Policy Unit has overall responsibility for FOI legislation and policy. Its website includes copies of all the legislation, policy notices, and a detailed guide to assist decision makers.
- The Office of the Information Commissioner reports annually on the operation of the Act and publishes the text of significant FOI appeal decisions.
- The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner reports annually on the operation of data protection legislation and can be of assistance in relation to compliance with its requirements.
Access to Information on the Environment (AIE) Regulations
Access to information on the environment held by this Department.
